Game for promoting the spatial perceptibility

ABSTRACT

Accessories for education and/or recreation, executed as a “kit of part” or not, comprise, on the one hand, one or more three-dimensional target objects and, on the other hand, several two-dimensional reproduction parts by means of which the three-dimensional objects can be represented. The three-dimensional target objects preferably comprise three-dimensional cube shapes and the two-dimensional reproduction parts preferably comprise flat diamond shaped pieces, and optionally triangular pieces, which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a target object consisting of one or more cube shapes. Preferably at least the mutually intersecting lateral sides of the three-dimensional cube shapes show a different color or pattern, and the colors or patterns of the flat diamond shaped or triangular pieces correspond to the different colors or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes.

The invention relates to accessories for education and/or recreation, more particularly in the form of a puzzle game or puzzle system, by means of which the “notion/awareness of space” (in particular the relation between the two-dimensional surface and the three-dimensional space) can be developed in a recreational way.

Existing puzzle systems generally comprise a two-dimensional target image and a number of two-dimensional representation parts by means of which the target image can be represented.

Other puzzles are known in which a three-dimensional construction, represented in two dimensions, can be reproduced by means of three-dimensional parts (in particular classic building block playing kits and building block systems);

-   -   or in which three-dimensional target objects (in particular cube         shapes) can be reconstructed by means of three-dimensional parts         (as according to U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,566, U.S. Pat. No.         5,823,533, U.S. Pat. No. 4,522,404);     -   or wherein different two-dimensional images can be reproduced         using three-dimensional parts (in particular cubes) which         comprise portions of two-dimensional images on their individual         sides (such as according to U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,319, U.S. Pat.         No. 4,308,016).

German patent publication DE 3300172 discloses a three-dimensional puzzle game wherein the user can reconstruct three-dimensional target object from three-dimensional base parts, having reference to two-dimensional figures.

None of these existing puzzle games however appears to specifically approach, in an efficient way, the aspect of the relation between the two-dimensional plane and the three-dimensional space.

The purpose of this invention is to provide accessories (in the form of a puzzle game or puzzle system) by means of which the “notion/awareness of space” can be developed in a recreational way from this latter specific point of view.

The invention therefore provides:

-   -   accessories for education and/or recreation, comprising: on the         one hand, one or more three-dimensional target objects and, on         the other hand, several two-dimensional reproduction parts by         means of which the three-dimensional objects can be represented.

According to a further feature of the invention the three-dimensional target objects comprise three-dimensional cube shapes and the two-dimensional reproduction parts comprise flat parallelogram shaped pieces which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.

In this context the parallelogram shaped pieces can in particular have a diamond shape and the two-dimensional representation parts can also comprise flat triangular pieces, or the two-dimensional representation parts can also comprise flat square, triangular and quadrangular pieces.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention the three-dimensional target objects can furthermore comprise three-dimensional cube shapes having at least their mutually intersecting lateral sides showing a different colour or pattern, and the two-dimensional representation objects can comprise several series of flat parallelogram shaped pieces having colours or patterns corresponding to the different colours or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes, which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a three-dimensional target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.

For that purpose there is preferably made use of contrasting colour combinations for the mutually intersecting lateral sides of the cubes, such as in particular white-black-green, or red-blue-yellow. It is also possible to obtain contrasting lateral sides using only two “colours” (such as in particular, also, black and white), using one series of sides in the one colour and one series of sides in the other colour, and the last series of sides in, for instance, a stripe pattern of the two colours.

The essence lies in the fact that the sides of the cube which are in contact with each other have a different colour/pattern.

When looking in particular obliquely, along a diagonal, at a cube one sees three different colours (or anyway three different sides). In such a perspective one sees all sides of the same size and in the shape of diamonds. One can thus, using three diamond shaped pieces of appropriate colour and/or pattern, represent one cube.

According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention the basic elements of the puzzle therefore consist of the cube (target figure), and of diamond shapes (representation figures) allowing the representation in the two-dimensional plane of what one sees when looking at the cube.

By using a number of cube blocks one can build a construction that can be represented by several diamond shapes.

It is further possible to also use triangles to represent cube blocks which partially fall behind other cube blocks.

One can also view the cube constructions from a point of view lying more to the front, whereby the different visible planes form squares, parallelograms and triangles.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention the basic elements of the puzzle consist of parallelograms, squares and triangles-corresponding to that specific approach)—(and optionally, additionally, irregular quadrangles and further squares).

The accessories according to the invention can, in particular, be executed as a combination of parts which, sold together or not, are intended to be used together with a specific purpose. Such a combination of elements which belong together is often referred to with the expression “kit of parts” This expression will be used in that sense henceforth in this specification.

The invention also specifically relates to a “kit of parts” for use in a didactic method or game, comprising, on the one hand, one or more three-dimensional target objects and, on the other hand, several two-dimensional reproduction parts by means of which the three-dimensional objects can be represented.

The “kit of parts” according to the invention preferably comprises three-dimensional cube shapes, as three-dimensional visual target objects, and flat parallelogram shaped pieces (more particularly diamond shaped pieces, optionally supplemented with triangular pieces, or parallelogram shaped pieces, optionally supplemented with square, triangular and quadrangular pieces) as two-dimensional reproduction parts, which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a target object consisting of one or more cube shapes;

-   -   more in particular three-dimensional cube shapes having at least         their mutually intersecting lateral sides showing a different         colour or pattern, and several series of flat pieces having         colours or patterns corresponding to the different colours or         patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes.

The accessories and “kits of parts” according to the invention can be applied as didactic game means/puzzle games for one or more children or persons, and/or as additional method for “working independently”, when training on the relation between the three-dimensional world and the two-dimensional plane.

The accessories and the system offer the possibility for playing means with, among other aspects, the following teaching content:

-   -   orientation in space (translation, rotation, mirroring, change         in size, interrelation);     -   discovery (order and regularity, chaos, pattern) achievement of         mathematical concepts (measuring, quantities, concept of         numbers, location, geometrical shape);     -   language development (talking, asking, discussing).

A very broad choice op possible solutions offers the supervisor the opportunity to

-   -   observe the level of the individual user/player     -   determine a development stand still     -   act on individual needs     -   check the learning result     -   participate in the game

The invention will be explained in more detail here below having reference to the attached pictures and drawings. The invention will also be illustrated by means of a number of application examples.

The details explained in these specific embodiments and in the application examples do not, as such, constitute any limitation of what is described in the disclosure here above and in the claims here after.

In the pictures and drawings

FIG. 1 a is a photographic picture of a three-dimensional cube shaped target object according to the invention, and FIG. 1 b is a photographic picture of a two-dimensional representation of that target object by means of three flat diamond shaped reproduction parts according to the invention;

FIG. 2 a is a photographic picture of two three-dimensional cubes positioned beside each other, and

FIG. 2 b is a photographic picture of a two-dimensional representation thereof by means of six diamond shaped reproduction parts;

FIG. 3 a is a photographic picture of a construction of five three-dimensional cubes positioned upon and beside each other, and FIG. 3 b is a photographic picture of a two-dimensional representation thereof by means of eleven diamond shaped reproduction parts;

FIG. 4 is a photographic picture of a two-dimensional representation—by means of six diamond shaped reproduction parts and one triangular reproduction part according to the invention—of three cube shapes positioned upon and beside each other, one of the cube shapes being partially behind the other;

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b and 5 c are, respectively, a bottom view, a top view (without cover) and a top view (with cover) of an hexagonal embodiment for one part (the two-dimensional pieces+the support board) of a “kit” according to the invention, and

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment for a further part (three-dimensional blocks+storing box) of a “kit” according to the invention;

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b and 7 c are, respectively, a bottom view, a top view (without cover) and a top view (with cover) of an rectangular embodiment for one part (the two-dimensional pieces+the support board) of a “kit” according to the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Puzzle Kit or Accessory System According to the Invention (Hexagonal Kit with Parallelograms and Triangles)

The kit consists of:

-   -   A a support board (total size: 440×280×15 mm) with hexagonal         repartition for:         -   42 parallelograms (14 black, 14 white, 14 green) all sides             43 mm, 6 mm thick;     -   12 triangles (4 black, 4 white, 4 green) all sides 43 mm, 6 mm         thick;         -   1 hexagonal cover or lid: 390×336×6 mm

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c, respectively, represent the view of the bottom of the support board, and of the top, without cover (with the 42 parallelograms and the 12 triangles) and with cover.

-   -   B a box of blocks (length 148 mm×width 148 mm×height 140 mm)         with 27 cubes (43×43×43 mm), each with         -   2 sides green, 2 sides white, 2 sides black FIG. 6             represents the box of blocks and 1 cube.

EXAMPLE 2

Puzzle Kit or Accessory System According to the Invention (Rectangular Kit with Parallelograms and Triangles and Squares)

The kit consists of:

-   -   A a support board (total size: 381×316.5×15 mm) with rectangular         repartition for:     -   32 parallelograms (10 black, 11 white, 11 green) two sides 43 mm         and two sides 30.4 mm, 6 mm thick;         -   17 large squares (6 black, 6 white, 5 green) all sides 43             mm, 6 mm thick;         -   9 small squares (3 black, 3 white, 3 green) all sides 21.5             mm, 6 mm thick;         -   7 quadrangles (3 black, 2 white, 2 green) one side 43 mm,             one side 30.4 mm and two sides 21.5 mm, 6 mm thick         -   9 triangles (3 black, 3 white, 3 green) all sides 30.4 mm, 6             mm thick;         -   1 rectangular cover or lid: 341×276.5×6 mm

FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c, respectively, represent the view of the bottom of the support board, and of the top, without cover (with the puzzle pieces) and with cover.

-   -   B a box of blocks (length 148 mm×width 148 mm×height 140 mm)         with 27 cubes (43×43→43 mm), each with         -   2 sides green, 2 sides white, 2 sides black

FIG. 6 represents the box of blocks and 1 cube.

EXAMPLE 3

Application of the Puzzle System as a Didactic Round Game

The accessories according to the invention can be used as a puzzle game that can be played by 1 to 4 players. In turn, each player throws a 6-faced dice. The one who throws the highest number starts the game. The number of pips on the dice decides what has to be done.

If one throws 1 or 6, one block has to be added.

If one throws 2 or 5, one block has to be shifted.

If one throws 3, one block has to be removed.

If one throws 4, the support board has to be rotated one quart of a turn.

Once the dice has been thrown and the corresponding instruction has been carried out, the front view of the amended construction has to be reproduced by means of the puzzle pieces. When a player is ready, he/she stands up and is not allowed anymore to change his puzzle pieces. When all players are ready and stand up, they switch place clock wise. There the views that have been build with the puzzle pieces are checked by the player who now sits at that place.

The player who was first to be ready and had made a correct reproduction can throw the dice again.

During the game the player will automatically increase his own level, due to the nature of the material itself. When playing group wise, with 2-4 players, this process will be even faster because the players will try to make it difficult for each other.

An important benefit also consists in assisting each other when problems are met:

-   -   the player who had a problem will be explained how to solve it;     -   the one who explains learns to communicate information;     -   dialogue between persons is trained. 

1. Accessories for education and/or recreation, comprising: one or more visual target object(s) as well as several reproduction parts suited to represent said target objects, wherein the target objects comprise three-dimensional shapes meant to constitute or build three-dimensional target constructions and the two-dimensional reproduction parts consist of individual flat shaped pieces which can be positioned in a plane in such way to build a two-dimensional image or representation of a three-dimensional target construction consisting of one or more three-dimensional shapes.
 2. Accessories according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional target objects comprise three-dimensional cube shapes and the two-dimensional reproduction parts comprise flat parallelogram shaped pieces which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.
 3. Accessories according to claim 2, wherein the parallelogram shaped pieces have a diamond shape and in that the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat triangular pieces.
 4. Accessories according to claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat square, triangular and rectangular pieces.
 5. Accessories according to claim 1, wherein the three-dimensional target objects comprise three-dimensional cube shapes having at least their mutually intersecting lateral sides showing a different color or pattern, and in that the two-dimensional representation objects comprise several series of flat parallelogram shaped pieces having colors or patterns corresponding to the different colors or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes, which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a three-dimensional target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.
 6. Accessories according to claim 5, wherein the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat triangular pieces, or square, triangular and rectangular pieces having colors or patterns corresponding to the different colors or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes.
 7. Kit of parts for use in a didactic method or game, wherein said kit of parts comprises, on the one hand, one or more target objects comprising three-dimensional shapes meant to constitute or build three-dimensional target constructions, and, on the other hand, several two-dimensional reproduction parts consisting of individual flat shaped pieces which can be positioned in a plane in such way to build a two-dimensional image or representation of a three-dimensional target construction consisting of one or more three-dimensional shapes.
 8. Kit of parts according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional target objects comprise three-dimensional cube shapes and the two-dimensional reproduction parts comprise flat parallelogram shaped pieces which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.
 9. Kit of parts according to claim 8, wherein the parallelogram shaped pieces have a diamond shape and in that the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat triangular pieces.
 10. Kit of parts according to claim 9, wherein the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat square, triangular and rectangular pieces.
 11. Kit of parts according to claim 7, wherein the three-dimensional target objects comprise three-dimensional cube shapes having at least their mutually intersecting lateral sides showing a different color or pattern, and in that the two-dimensional representation objects comprise several series of flat parallelogram shaped pieces having colors or patterns corresponding to the different colors or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes, which can be positioned in a plane in such way that they form a two-dimensional image or representation of a three-dimensional target object consisting of one or more cube shapes.
 12. Kit of parts according to claim 11, wherein the two-dimensional representation parts also comprise flat triangular pieces, or square, triangular and rectangular pieces having colors or patterns corresponding to the different colors or patterns of the lateral sides of the cube shapes. 